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The Carceral Commonwealth: Mass Incarceration in Kentucky
There are currently over 2.4 million people sitting in jails and prisons within the American criminal justice system making the United States one of the top contenders for having the most incarcerated individuals in the world. States like California, New York and Texas are expected to have high incarceration rates given their massive population; however, Kentucky is also one of the top contenders for the highest incarceration rates in the United States. Kentucky has a considerably smaller population and yet, on a scale, Kentucky was rated to have the 2nd highest incarceration rate in 2021 and the 10th highest prison incarceration rate in the entire country (Singh et al., 2023). There are several reasons and causes at every level of the criminal justice system. Beginning with the police that arrest minorities at disproportionate rates, bail hearings that prey on indigent citizens and finally with the prisons that make no efforts to ensure their prisoners do not recidivate. Kentucky is one of the states that arrests multiple populations at accelerated rates and offers little to keep them out of prison, encourages their arrest, or offers no support or rehabilitation after release. There may even be financial incentive in Kentucky legislature to keep populations incarcerated whether it be to keep them off the street or receive financial compensation for housing more and more inmates
Sex, Consent, and Autonomy in Twilight and Vampire Academy
The thesis discusses how two popular young adult series, Twilight and Vampire Academy, use vampires to aid in conversations revolving around prevalent teenage issues such as sex, consent, and autonomy. Both series have romantic relationships at the forefront of their plot. By having the main characters of the books be in new relationships, the series can show the different trials and tribulations that go with being in a romance for the first time. Sex is a topic that gets brought up with both fictional couples and the two authors deal with it in separate ways. Bringing up sex in young adult fiction is rather controversial; however, when it comes to novels involving vampires, it is an inevitable point of discussion. The main point of this paper is to explore why young adult vampire novels are important to the ongoing conversations about teenagers and their journey to discovering their sexuality
Baby Goddess
For as long as she can remember, twenty-two-year-old archaeology student Imogen has been compared to Athena: the first child, born from her father’s forehead, bearing a spear and shield. Following her youngest brother’s death, Imogen struggles to reconcile her failed role as the oldest sister and daughter, blaming herself for his accident. The ongoing conflicts between her surviving family members, including her brother, sister, and parents, lead her to worry that tragedy will strike again and further prove her inability to keep her family safe from harm. While isolated at school hours away from home, she studies the past to figure out how to preserve her family and reinstate herself as their protectress
Danny the Diabetic Dinosaur: A Resource for Families Impacted by Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition that impacts approximately a quarter of a million children in the United States alone. T1DM is a complicated diagnosis that requires specialized treatment and education. Research has shown that families of children with T1DM experience a burden related to a lack of education in the healthcare system. Educational resources such as children’s books can act as a bridge between the healthcare system and families as they allow parents and children to increase their knowledge about T1DM and open the doors for communication. Education is shown to decrease further complications related to T1DM such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which in return reduces healthcare costs to the client and the healthcare system as well as increasing the overall quality of life. In response to the need for an educational resource on T1DM, Danny the Diabetic Dinosaur was written and illustrated to target children ages 7-11, with potentially younger audiences if assisted by an adult. Danny the Diabetic Dinosaur demonstrates to children that having diabetes does not mean they cannot have a productive and happy life. The evidence-based research on T1DM along with the creative, age-appropriate writing and illustrations of the book create an invaluable resource for families impacted by T1DM
Defining Reasoning, Reflective Practice, and Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy Education: A Delphi Study
Reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice are essential skills for occupational therapy practitioners, but it is unclear how these skills are defined in occupational therapy education. We used Delphi methodology to explore educator conceptualizations of clinical reasoning, professional reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice. Eligible participants on the Delphi expert panel were required to have been an educator in an occupational therapy program for at least three years at the master’s level or higher, to be a current occupational therapy educator, based in the United States, and available across multiple survey rounds. Nine participants completed all three survey rounds. Among members of the expert panel there was continued moderate disagreement about terminology related to reasoning and there were some discrepancies between expert perspectives and the occupational therapy literature. However, these educators largely agreed on key features of the complex constructs. Consistency about the use of these terms will support both education and research related to essential professional skills
Enhancing Simulation Fidelity in Occupational Therapy Education: Considerations for Standardized Patient Training and Implementation
The use of high-fidelity simulation and standardized patients (SPs) in occupational therapy (OT) education is expanding. However, the implementation of simulation varies across programs, leading to inconsistent outcomes and research limitations. Furthermore, details on SP use and training are lacking in OT literature. This article aims to provide OT educators with considerations for improving simulation fidelity by effectively using highly trained SPs. For example, recruiting SPs from diverse backgrounds is necessary to improve sociological fidelity, and proper training of SPs is required to ensure psychological fidelity. This article also emphasizes the need for standardized training for SPs and recommends following the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) guidelines to ensure best practices in OT education. Adequate SP training and ongoing professional development are essential for maintaining simulation fidelity during SP experiences and optimizing student learning outcomes. Implementing SP experiences within the OT curriculum, SP recruitment and training, case development, pre-briefing, and debriefing processes are discussed, with recommendations from current evidence and the authors’ experience at an institution accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Trained SPs can enhance simulation fidelity and provide students with realistic and compelling learning experiences, better preparing them for fieldwork and clinical practice. While further research is needed to explore the efficacy of SP encounters in OT education and the student experience, this article reinforces the need to standardize the use and training of SPs to enhance simulation fidelity and support the reliability and validity of future research efforts surrounding the use of SPs
Building Bridges: A Mentor Education Program for Occupational Therapy Practitioners
Mentoring in occupational therapy is a crucial role that many practitioners undertake and there is a paucity of mentor education specific to occupational therapists. Authors present an innovative approach to mentor education through a novel three-part online mentor training series. Developed by faculty teaching at Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) entry level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, the series incorporated adult learning theory and the stages of mentoring through the lens of occupational therapy. The training series received positive feedback from participants, who found it straightforward, relevant, and applicable to their work settings. Literature emphasizes the increasing demand for quality mentors in occupational therapy as the field expands and the need for mentor education to support professional development. Although there is limited literature on mentor support in occupational therapy, studies in related fields have highlighted the effectiveness of mentor training programs. Authors suggest that the establishment of a mentoring practice community can bridge OTD program expectations with clinical and community practice realities and build mentor capacities. Overall, this work emphasizes the significance of mentorship and the need for formal mentor education in occupational therapy to foster professional growth and ensure the availability of quality mentors for students and new professionals
Unraveling Job Disengagement: Exploring Causes and Solutions
Unraveling Job Disengagement: Exploring Causes and Solutions
Melissa Meade, Madison Caudill, and Dr. Jon McChesney, Mentor
Department of Recreation and Park Administration, Eastern Kentucky University
Job disengagement poses a significant challenge within organizational settings. Employees exhibit emotional detachment and diminished commitment to their job responsibilities. Addressing job disengagement is imperative for fostering a positive workplace culture and strengthening organizational performance. This detachment transcends dissatisfaction, penetrating morale, productivity, and employee retention (Burnett, 2023). Root causes of disengagement include ineffective leadership, limited growth prospects, high-stress work environments, and exclusionary organizational cultures. This research examines the effects of recreation on employee engagement. Recreation emerges as a promising solution to enhance employee engagement, offering avenues to add fun and replenish energy throughout the workday. Organizations can enrich job roles by strategically incorporating recreational activities and creating vibrant, fulfilling work environments. Engaging in recreational pursuits outside of work hours also serves to rejuvenate employees, countering the effects of disengagement. Furthermore, integrating enjoyment into workplace activities enhances satisfaction, morale, productivity, and employee retention (Tews, 2013). Embracing job enrichment strategies centered on recreation promotes employee well-being and effectively combats job disengagement. It is essential to recognize the pivotal role of managers and the work environment in implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive organizational culture conducive to employee engagement and fulfillment. This research underscores the importance of recreation to employee engagement here at Eastern Kentucky University with employees indicating that recreation enriches their job significantly
septic shock syndrome in a pediatric patient
For our presentation at the scholars\u27 day event, we aim to submit a case study poster focusing on a pediatric patient diagnosed with septic shock syndrome, encountered in the clinical setting. The purpose of our project is to examine the symptoms manifested by the patient and compare them with findings reported in existing literature. Our methodology involves a review of the clinical records of the pediatric patient, including medical history, diagnostic tests, and treatment interventions. We intend to identify and document the symptoms exhibited by the patient during septic shock syndrome. While specific findings and conclusions are not yet available, our presentation will look into the process and methods employed in the case study, shedding light on the challenges and considerations involved in managing pediatric septic shock syndrome. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential implications of our study for clinical practice, education, and research in this population
The Examination of Suicidal Ideation and PTSD Among First Responders
First responders are vital to our safety and protection, but this does not come without a price. First responders are often exposed to life threatening situations that put them at risk, and are exposed to those in critical condition, and unfortuantely, those who have died. This makes first responders more at risk to develop mental health conditions, particulalrly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. (PTSD). First Responders were found to be more likely compared to civilians to develop PTSD. They were also more likely to experience suicidal ideation. First responders who met criteria for a PTSD diagnosis were also more likely to have sucidial ideation that those without PTSD. This article also explores possible reasions why first responders are more likely to die by suicide compared to the civilian population. Lastly, the stigma within this population has the potential to create barriers to treatment, and seeking help. Reducing the stignma and nomralizing mental health in this population can be helpful in getting those who suffer in silence the treatment they deserve